Five ways to cope with the stress of losing a job

Losing your job can be one of the most devastating experiences anyone can go through especially now when life couldn’t be more challenging.

There are bills to be paid, you have needs to take care of and who knows, you may be the only hope your family has.

Job loss is actually one of the main reasons why so many people are depressed. You suddenly realize that you no longer have that sense of security that employment gave you.

Although a job loss can cause you to fall into a pit of despair, it shouldn’t make you feel like your life doesn’t matter anymore.

There is more to life and no matter how disappointing and scary it may be, look at it from a half full glass point. You may finally have time to spend with your loved ones and this may even encourage you to start your own business or kick start plan B.

Use these techniques to bounce back and reclaim what you lost:

One of the first steps to recovery is accepting the situation you’re facing. In the first few days or even weeks of receiving the news, you might go through different phases like anger and denial which is perfectly normal.

It’s okay to take some time to go through this emotional process but don’t spend too much time feeling sorry for yourself. Self-pity can trigger depression and make it even harder for you to move towards a bright future.

The sooner you accept the reality, the easier and foster it will be for you to move on.

You’re not the first nor will you be the last person to lose a job so get a grip of yourself. It can happen to those who work minimum paying jobs or even those who have top executive positions in companies.

However, one thing that distinguishes those who are able to start afresh quicker versus those who take decades to move on, is taking action. That in this case simply means realizing what you can’t control and owing what you can.

Therefore, a great step is to revamp your CV and apply for as many job positions as you can. This will greatly help to reduce the stress and anxiety because at least you know you’re trying your best.

Besides offering you a source of livelihood, a job signifies acceptance. There is a sense of fulfilment when you feel like you’re contributing to the success of a company and it’s great to know that you’re part of the group when you interact with your colleagues.

On the opposite side, a job loss makes you feel like a reject which often drives someone to severe stress, low self-esteem and depression.

At this point, it’s best to seek therapy from someone who can give you proper insight and practical steps on how to cope.

A great way to help you maintain a positive mindset is reconnecting with your hobbies. While in employment, it’s hard to find time for yourself so this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy inexpensive activities like cooking, working out, painting, swimming and dancing.

Aside from your hobbies, you can hang out with friends and family. They’re a great source of encouragement while you’re in this tough season of life.

Ironically, job loss can inspire some amazing side-hustle ideas. Many of us assume that the only way to survive is to rely on a job while in reality, you might live a very fulfilling life through different streams of income.

Don’t be afraid to expand your vision. Maybe one day you’ll even realize that what started a small alternative source of income can actually offer you more than what you were even getting from your job. The possibilities are endless.